Not really actually I don’t know why people always get so freaked out about doing fuel tanks in these boats. They’re just dead center in the middle of the deck so you’re just pretty much get the dimensions from Parker and you just cut them out precisely once you do that you just put a new one in and re-glass the floor and it’s really not that big of a deal, a 250 gallon fuel tank cost me $3000 … The issue was that they used to use foam and it just rots them from the bottom. Luckily, I have friends that are really good at that type of stuff so I paid them to do it if you brought it to a marina yes it would cost you a lot of money, but to be honest, there’s no reason somebody with a half a brain couldn’t do it by themselves if you have the right tools I’ll be posting some pictures on here tomorrow
I agree , I’m not sure about the foam, I heard a lot people don’t use it anymore . It’s impossible to keep all water out of there . Also if no foam water can drain easier and way easier to keep area dry and keep moisture out. End of day not keeping boat another 15 years so won’t matter. These tanks meant to last 15-20 years. 8k everyone 15 years to do this isn’t that bad if you ask me lol. Considering all other boating issues
Yeah, I understand that too. I mean, you can’t just fully enclose a fuel tank that will just create moisture from what I’ve heard also from all the Boat builders is that there’s no point of coding a fuel tank. It doesn’t work if it did, they would do it from the factory with every fuel tank Bonding aluminum plus aluminum stretches and flex with the fuel . at the end of the day fuel tank last 15 to 20 years you’re not gonna have the boat that long anyways I’m a reputable boat builder in my area built Romarine boats in Bristol installed the fuel tank. The guy is very knowledgeable and knows what he’s talking about. There is no possible way to keep water out of the foam no matter how secure you think you’re making it water will always find a way there and once it’s there, you’re right it just will sit there forever.
You mean 3/16" Been doing That for 30+ years.
[Coating]
One thing to remember after your new tank is installed and you go get that first tank of gas. The new tank won't allow you to put fuel in it very fast. I'm talking like 1 gallon per 2 or 3 minutes. Don't panic (like I did). Once you make it through about the first half of tank it will take fuel like normal and normal from then on. I think it has to purge all the air from pressure testing the tank but not really sure why it does that. BTW: The tank will be 1/8" thicker per USCG regulations. The Parker tanks were 1/8" originally and now have to be at least 3/16.
When I had my tank built, I sent the original Parker drawings to Speedy Tank and they told me that now USCG regulations are 3/8"
Aluminum thickness requirements (USCG) change based on the volume of the tank. It's on the speedy tank FAQ: https://speedytanks.com/tank-design-fabrication/
